Another serious problem is anchoring on the reef. Anchors can damage coral colonies when they land on them, but more damage is done by anchor dragging and the movement of a chain that is attached to boats anchors.

Anchoring in areas without coral is less damaging to the reef, but may disrupt other habitats such as sea grass beds or rubble. The most effective solution to anchoring problems is simply not to anchor at all, or to have permanent moorings installed at frequently visited sites.

Divers can also damage reefs independently of the damage caused by their boats. The biggest problems are a lack of awareness of protruding gear that can snag delicate corals and break them, poor buoyancy control, lack of awareness of fin position and the inability of control their fins around coral. Some divers unaware of the importance of coral reef organism, even dead ones, in the ecology of the reef break corals or take shells as souvenirs. In areas that are dived intensively this can represent a real threat to the health of the reef.

Touching, standing or sitting on or in any way making contact with coral can by disrupting the exterior layer of mucus be fatal to the entire organism.

Tourists also provide a ready market for pieces of coral, shells and other souvenirs taken from the reef. Some of the animals which produce the most beautiful shells are important predators or grazers in the reef and play vital roles in the maintenance of a healthy ecosystem. While the gathering of curios can be a valid source of income if it is not managed for sustainability, this activity can lead to reef degradation.